Archive for January, 2010

Is it Possible to Raise My Credit Scores?

Chane Steiner asked:


The first consideration when you’re trying to raise your credit scores is to know where you currently stand. Everyone has scores that range between 300 and 850. This number determines if a creditor will extend credit to you as well as interests rates you might pay, is based on your ability to repay a loan, the interest rate you might be offered, as well as often determining rental or mortgage payments. Taking our credit ratings seriously is vital and honestly, it’s the way our society operates. If you are one of the millions of Americans who have credit problems, you should know there are ways to overcome these obstacles. It’s important to educate yourself and while you should take it seriously, you shouldn’t allow it to stress you or cause you undue grief. Here are some of the positive steps you can take:

The first option should be paying down your current credit cards. Frequently, people believe paying off installment loans on automobiles and making on-time mortgage payments are the best first options. They’re important, of course, but there are significant advantages in paying down – or better, paying in full – your revolving credit card debt. Your credit score is based on a number of factors. One major factor is allowing for a comfortable gap between the amount of credit you have been extended on your credit cards and the actual amount you have used. It shows you are able to exercise restraint in your spending habits. Instead of paying down those with the highest interest rates first, begin with those closer to their limits.

Use the credit cards you have sparingly, and when possible, pay the entire balance each month. High balances bruise your credit score. It is best to keep your charges at or below 30% of the card’s limit each month.

Ensure your limits are accurately reported. Your credit score may be affected if your limits are reading less than what they actually are. Issuers of credit cards will quickly rectify the situation if you simply make them aware of it.

Your credit score can be raised by establishing a history. The longer an individual’s accounts have been in good standing, the better. It’s also wise to occasionally use some of your older card accounts to keep them current in their activity levels. Again, be sure to pay the balance in full when your statement arrives.

If you have been a good customer to your credit issuers, you can often raise your credit score by simply requesting, in writing, a “goodwill adjustment”. If you have a late payment or sometimes even two late payments from the past, the credit issuer may agree to remove these late payments from your report. It costs nothing to request this.

Raising your credit score can be done, but it’s an ongoing process. Just as your credit scores can drop, they can also improve. There are effective methods to raise your credit score and it all begins with developing a clear understanding of where you are and then being proactive in your efforts to initiate positive changes.



Eva
 

Credit Score Repair in 5 Simple Steps

muellerduran asked:


The importance of a good credit score can never be understated. Whether you want a loan with low interest and large amount, a gold or platinum credit card, mortgage at good terms, car loan at cheaper rates or simply have a good financial credibility — none of it can be achieved without having a good credit score. There is no instant solution to get a good credit score. It builds up gradually based upon how well you manage your loans and financial situation. However, the credit score can degrade at quite a rapid rate if there are consistent defaults on loan and credit card bill repayments. Repairing the credit score is not that difficult provided you take these 5 simple steps into consideration.

1. Check your credit report regularly

This is a must to ensure that you know your current credit score, and what is ailing it. If there are any inconsistencies in your credit report get them corrected. Keeping bills of all the transactions you make can be very handy and helpful in correcting any errors in your credit report.

2. Get rid of those extra credit cards

The temptations to own a new credit card are so numerous in modern times that many of us end up with a purse-full of them without any real need. They stay there and cause a lot of problems in repayment. The confusion that comes with too many credit cards can easy lead to a missed payment and resulting penalties. Frequent defaults will reflect poorly on your credit score. So, keep only the necessary and discard the rest.

3. Repay on time

Every credit card transaction is a loan that has to be repaid on time with interest. Don’t ever miss out on any repayment. If you are not able to make full payments, make half, or even the monthly minimum, but don’t default. This will keep you in the good books of credit card company and help your credit score. If you are not able to pay anything to the credit card company, don’t shy away from them, call them, explain your problem and work out things so that a negative report doesn’t land up with the credit reporting agencies.

4. Keep your debt to balance ratio low

A low ratio means that you are repaying on time. This factor has carries a lot of weight while determining your credit score. A low debt to balance ratio goes in your favor while it hurts your credit report badly when this ratio is high. The high ratio says that you are not able to manage your finances well, borrow more than you can afford, and the repayment is not up to the mark– in short a good candidate to accumulate a lot of credit card debt. Always, avoid giving this impression to the credit card companies.

5. Report emergency situations to the credit card company

We all have emergencies, an accident, a death of loved one, a serious illness- it could be anything. Such situations take a serious toll on our mental and financial health. Credit card companies are aware of such situations and act compassionately if the matter is reported to them. If you face such a situation report it to the credit card company immediately, and explain your situation. Tell them clearly how much time you need to recover from the situation. An amicable solution can be worked out with the credit card company so that the ramifications of this emergency situation doesn’t reflect badly on your credit score.

Nothing beats good financial habits in keeping a excellent credit score. However, fixing a bad one is not difficult either all it needs is a bit of commitment and resourcefulness. The above 5 tips will help you repair existing credit score and keep it in good shape for future.



Jeanette
 

How You Can Raise Your Credit Scores

Henri Surya asked:


What is credit score? What make it so important? A credit score is numerical expression representing someone’s creditworthiness and this score is a determinant factor. Having a good credit score is very important in today’s society. If you have a high credit score then it would be any problem for you to have a credit. It is something that people today would consider to be worthy to be doing just about anything to have a good credit score. By having a good credit score, applying for loans and unsecured credit cards is much easier.

If your credit score is not good, there will be a big wall that will stop your loan application in any way to be granted. This is why it is very important for you to improve your credit score. Even if you already have a good credit score, there are always advantages. For example, if you have a credit score of 688 and the loan company will reduce interest rate if you get a credit score of 690. The two points can mean thousands of dollars in savings from paying interest and it also can mean lower interest rates and also more chances for you of getting the loans you need.

There are several ways on how you can significantly improve your credit score. Some ways takes time to achieve but if you start working on it as soon as possible, you will see that it will be worth all the effort. So, here are some of the approaches you can improve your credit score.

The first method is to check credit reports and find for errors. Even minor errors that can be fixed might significantly improve your credit rating. Contact the credit reporting agencies as soon as you find the errors and the reporting agency is required by the law to correct the errors within thirty days if there is any.

The next step on how you can raise your credit score is to pay all your balances every month off. This basically shows that you are good in managing your debt and definitely it will increase your credit score.

Third, try to limit credit cards you have, two at most. Having many credit cards will in fact, lower your credit score.

Then you have to pay your loan in time. It shows to credit reporting agencies and also creditors that you can manage your debt effectively. However, if you have borrowed money before and is long overdue, you should pay it immediately. In time, these old late payments will be deemed unimportant and it will expire.

Last but not least, don’t use your entire credit limit. For example, if you have credit cards with a credit limit of 3000, 2000 and 2500 dollars, it is better to use 500 – 600 dollars on each card rather than 1800 dollars in one card. It is best for your credit score if you only use less than 50% of your credit card limit.

These are some of the ways you can use to raise your credit card score. Following all these will ensure you that your credit score will increase and will result in better opportunities in the future.



Derrick
 

Effect of collections on credit score?

Nate asked:


I just found out today that some company has been “trying” to collect $20 from some past due account that I didn’t know was past due as no one has ever tried to contact me. Well that’s not exactly correct, 2-3 months ago someone contacted me and I told them to send me the original invoice and I would pay it but they never did. Now I have a $20 collections debt on my credit report and my score has gone down from about 780 to about 680.

I filed disputes with both agencies reporting it stating that I have no knowledge of this debt. But my question is will they remove it? Technically I do have knowledge but as of yet this collections company has yet to provide me with what I requested.

Second, if I just pay this amount will my credit score go back to where it was?

And how the heck does $20 effect a credit score that much. I have about $30K in fixed debts that I pay every month on time. It should be obvious I can afford a one time charge of $20.
Another question too… The debt has actually been sold to a debt collection agnecy so the original company has to stake in it any more. However, the debt is claimed to be from more than 5 years ago. I know the statue of limitations is 3 years where I live but I don’t know if it applies? Can they even try to sell or collect a debt from five years ago that they never tried to collect before?

Dustin

 

How Important is a Good Credit Score?

Eric asked:


The most important factor that plays a deciding role in granting you a loan is of course your credit rating. A good credit score is a magic mantra in the loan market. It can help you get a low APR (Annual Percentage Rate) with negotiable payback terms. In other words, a customer with a good credit history is a safe bet for the lender as he is sure to get his money back on time. Which makes us ask this question – is there anything like a fixed credit score?

The general consensus is that there is no such thing as a fixed credit score. As of now, it’s the lenders prerogative. If you can measure up to the lenders expectation of a ‘credit happy’ customer, then you may get all the benefits associated with a ‘prime customer’. The recent figures of application rejection have reached alarming proportions. A recent research from Moneyexpert.com reveals that over 1.30 million people have had application rejections in the last six months. This makes it a staggering 320 application rejection per hour.

Generally, an unsecured loan application faces the chance of getting rejected at the verification stage as there is no collateral attached to this particular loan type. This means that the lender has no guarantee that his principal amount would be recoverable within the stipulated loan cycle. A good credit score has more relevance if borrowers are thinking of taking out an unsecured loan. This is because there is no question of collateral involved in this transaction. The only way to check the loan seeker’s credit worthiness is by his credit score. Although, consumers take care not to spoil their credit score, sometimes missed payments happen due to lack of understanding of the lender’s terms and conditions.

In fact, the general trend shows that people who have taken out unsecured loan deals are more prone to making such errors because their homes are not mortgaged against the loan package. They feel that a small missed payment will not affect their credit scores. But, it has been noticed that even those customers having good intentions of paying back credit on time sometimes default on the monthly payments.

To overcome this hurdle, APACS, a UK payment association site has unveiled a credit card statement guide which will provide valuable tips to customers to help them understand the financial terminology used in their statements like ‘payment date’, ‘APR’ and ‘allocation of payments’. Sandra Quinn, director of communications at APACS, feels that with this advice guide, consumers will be better equipped to understand the value of frequent check of credit statements and making payments on unsecured loan deals on time.



Lisa
 

Credit Score Increase-lower Home Loan Payment (avoid Foreclosure)

RAWDOGGTV asked:


http://creditrepairscores.blogspot.com

Fixing Your Credit Score via legitimate “credit rescoring” company Unfortunately, credit rescoring is not directly available to consumers, You’ll have to go through your mortgage broker or lender. Legitimate credit rescoring Rapid rescoring is so new that some mortgage brokers, lenders may not be aware as to how the system works, Here’s how it works. If there’s a mistake on your credit report, you have to provide proof that it’s a mistake. A rapid rescoring expert can research your claims and gather written documentation. Next, the expert forwards your materials to the three national credit bureaus and asks for a correction. You can do this yourself, but it takes weeks. Companies that offer rapid rescoring have dedicated phone and fax lines they use to communicate with the 3 national credit bureaus. In 24 to 72 hours, your credit report is corrected and your credit score rises as a result.

Somebody else’s mistake may be costing you thousands of dollars. Then again, your own mistake may be costing you thousands of dollars. Either way, credit rescoring can help, rapid credit rescoring requires the proper paperwork, Letter from credit granter or collection agency, Court issued documents Bankruptcy documents, etc.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH CREDIT RESCORING

I first learned as well utilized this service in 2004, I had a 620 middle score and a tax lien (mistake) on the building I leased for unpaid taxes on a business that never got off the ground nor never made a dime. I placed several calls to the court house, and brought in the proper documentation and was awarded a tax lien release, or whatever they termed that document. I faxed, certified mailed, the tax lien release letter to the three national credit bureaus; threaten to sue, the tax lien remained on my credit report, but now it was reported as a paid tax lien; my credit score had not changed much, so I hired the biggest credit repair law firm on the internet. over a several month period of time with legal proof in hand, there methods were only successful at removing my tax lien with one national credit bureau. My credit score still had not changed much. I went back to city hall (court house) where the lien was filed and pleaded with them: ” HOW CAN I GET THIS ST**& OFF MY CREDIT FILE” I did everything you people told me to do; the clerks and bank, mortgage file searchers all were laughing in tears. I went back to the internet and just ran search term after search term; deep deep deep in the search engine system I started to see “CREDIT RESCORING” almost as if it were hidden, but actually this method was not well knowed in 2004, nor today in 2008. I phoned a few companies, and after verifying bbb, dnb, etc status I spent about $200 with the mortgage company and within 72 hours 740+ credit score on all three national credit bureau reports (I WILL TAKE A LIE DETECTOR). RAPID “CREDIT RESCORING” REALLY WORKS. Lastly, if you email me and ask me what company I used I don’t remember, but hopefully Google Bots will serve some credit re-scoring ads on this site, or run a mass search deep into the search system; if I find any reputable companies again I will post them.

http://creditrepairscores.blogspot.com



Tanya
 

Interest How Interest Impacts Fixing Credit?

Harsal Gibs asked:


Why would anyone choose to pay higher compound interest on a credit card for longer than they had to? The fact is, many people see their interest rate and don’t even question it.If there is an increase in their APR, they accept it as part of the credit game and pay it without a second thought. But why?

It turns out that much like receiving a credit card pre-approval letter in the first place most people neglect to read the fine print when they get their monthly statement. For some, it’s the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. Soon, though, the card holder will find himself in a mad-panic approach to fixing credit that may be a case of too little, too late.

After the compound interest rates increase and the card holder is literally negotiating the selling of her firstborn to appease the creditor, it’s time to go to the credit cleaners to see if there is anything they can do. In a hope they can clean your credit report, the firm will usually ask for a monthly fee that can run into the hundreds of dollars, only paying a small percentage of the compound interest that has accrued since they opened their card.

The fact is, paying the minimum monthly payment has absolutely no impact of the actual balance of your card, and credit counseling services pay only a small percentage higher than the minimum payment; in essence, stringing you along for years as the interest rates on the card continues to sprout leaves of charges that make paying off your credit card take longer, and helps your pocket-book remain light as a feather.

Fixing credit is not a short-term struggle…



It does take years to clean your credit report and once again live with strong credit. Being able to take out loans for cars, or your children’s education, are vital in today’s world. But when you’re paying hundreds of dollars to simply meet your minimum due, it’s a battle that cannot, and will not be won.

Therefore, when paying off your credit card bills, or working with credit counselors, you must be forthcoming about what you can afford to pay each month because it’s imperative you make a monthly payment at least 15% greater than the minimum payment due.

By working with a firm that can help you maintain the upper-hand when paying off your credit card debt, as well as remain fed, clothed, and sheltered, you will see a startling difference in your credit report. Where it was once in the 600s, you will find, after only a few months, a stronger credit score. This is due to the fact that anyone who is worth their weight in gold knows that you cannot pay for debt by going into greater debt.

Put yourself on a budgetary diet…

The feasible way around this is to pay a higher monthly credit card payment while “trimming the fat” so to speak. In other words, getting out of debt and cleaning your credit report should be a priority. But so are essentials of life, such as eating and wearing clothes. Therefore, when choosing a company to help you dig your way out of debt, it is important to remember two things.

First, never get in bed with a viper, because they will, without a doubt, bite you. If you see yourself relying on credit excessively, chances are, you probably are. When in doubt about what to use your credit card on, if it’s not a necessity, then it would probably be wise to put the item down and move on. Secondly, if you have the chance between paying a slightly higher monthly payment and being debt-free in five years, as opposed to paying the minimum payment and being debt-free in ten, choose the 5-year plan.

Becoming debt-free might take a little extra scrimping on your part, but clean your credit report is worth it.



George
 

Payment to credit card company lost in the mail. What to do?

babybug74 asked:


My credit card payment was due October 6; balance was $500. Minimum payment is $15. I use my credit card for EVERYTHING so I can earn points, but I pay off the balance in full each month. I always pay on time or early, but never late.

Until this month. On Sept 20, I sent out my check for $1K (I was planning to pay the balance due plus the amounts of charges not on the statement) using the pre-addressed payment envelope they sent with my statement.

I continued using my credit card, thinking nothing was amiss, but then it would get denied at some stores & restaurants. So I check my credit card account online and discover that my payment was never received! So my payment is late (even tho I sent it on time) and I’ve got the $39 late fee to prove it. On top of that, because my check was never received, I’m at my credit line limit!

I’m worried what happened to my $1000 check I sent. And of course, worried about my credit score and how to go about fixing this. What to do?
I want to talk to my bank. This is really bothering me! Unfortunately, today is a freakin’ Federal Holiday! Guess I’ll have to wait til tomorrow. And thanks to all of you for suggesting I pay online. Most of my other bills I pay online; I just never got around to setting this one up.

Ann

 

Checking Your Credit Score: 7 Common Consumer Questions

Thomas Boston asked:


Checking your credit score is an extremely important step for any consumer. To make sure you have a full line of credit available, and to make sure you’re not the victim of identity theft, you should check your credit score consistently to make sure everything is order. The problem for many consumers when checking their credit score, or trying to improve it, is that they have questions and can’t find the specific details that would answer those questions.

There are so many websites online offering information on credit that the sheer mass can be overwhelming, making it even harder to get the specific answers that you’re looking for. Here are seven common questions that consumers ask in regards to their credit score and how credit reporting is done, and the answers to each that you’ve been searching for.

7 common consumer questions on credit reporting:

Q: Doesn’t bankruptcy damage you so badly that it never makes sense?

A: This is a tricky question that depends on situation. If you are in debt way over your heard, have tons of overdue bills, have collections on you for bills you can’t pay anyway, and are completely incapable of even making minimum payments, then you’re credit score is probably so bad that declaring bankruptcy won’t change things much. You should avoid bankruptcy at all costs, but if your situation is that bad, then the sooner you get it over with, the sooner you can start rebuilding.

Q: Is there ever any advantage to bankruptcy on a credit report?

A: Maybe, but bankruptcy is never a good thing. However, a bank looking at one potential borrower with a bankruptcy six years ago, but a good record since, will look better than a non bankrupt borrower who has a record of late or unpaid bills from the past couple years.

Q: My credit score is terrible, can it be fixed?

A: Yes, but with the caveat being that the time frame varies. If you just finished bankruptcy, forget about having a decent credit score at any point over the next year or even two. But just because you have late payments on your record for seven years, or bankruptcy for ten, doesn’t mean that you can’t recover during those times. Every month that passes by with you in good standing helps a little bit more, and by paying all bills on time (with a little extra where applicable), recovery can take place relatively quickly.

Q: How can I fix my credit score?

A: This is one of those questions that entire books have been written on. But in summary: pay every bill on time, with a little bit extra on credit cards (if possible), pay off all overdue bills so they don’t become even more delinquent, pay off collections and make sure they report that to the credit agencies, and don’t fall behind on any new payments and don’t wrack up any new credit card bills.

Q: How can I start rebuilding my credit when I can’t get a loan?

A: The easiest way is to start with secured credit cards. These are cards where to have a $200 limit, you have to pay $200 into an account. These cards tend to not be very good deals, but they do allow you to slowly rebuild your credit until you’re in good enough shape to upgrade.

Q: What about those “credit fix” people on TV?

A: In a word: Don’t. Many of these are scams or questionable, at best. Any legitimate mistakes on your credit report can be removed by yourself, and many of the tricks tried by these places can get you into trouble, or even prevent you in the future from using legitimate tools to fix your credit score. Learn how credit scoring works, and use that information to fix things yourself.

Q: So my credit’s going to be terrible for the next 7 years?

A: Not at all. The more months of paying all your bills on time (and a little extra, when applicable), the better your score will get. I had a friend who had a major 6 month late black mark on a credit card bill that went to creditors, but three years letter his credit score was already up to 720, which is excellent. So depending on the level of damage, you can fix your score relatively quickly.



Jeanne
 

How can my husband get a credit problem fixed caused by his ex-wife?

Linda A asked:


The gal Bob was married to previously had an operation to help with an obesity problem. The health insurance did not pay so they got a loan and both signed. When they divorced, she said she would pay that bill and this is reflected in the divorce which Bob did himself. Now she has stopped paying and it’s reflecting on Bob’s credit. She has moved to California to avoid having a judgment placed on her and we’re stuck with this negative information on his credit score. All the professionals we’ve consulted tell us the only way out is to pay it ourselves but we really can’t afford to take on this financial burden. I would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been through this or has successfully fought a similar problem.

Annette